Finance panel hears $37.6M school budget, no vote

Finance Committee · Meeting of April 29, 2026

SAUGUS — The Saugus Finance Committee heard, but did not vote on, the School Department's $37.6 million fiscal 2027 budget request. Superintendent Michael Hashem and Executive Director of Finance and Administration Pola Andrews presented the plan, which includes $2,520,741 in fixed cost increases and $317,098 in restorations, for a total increase of $2,837,839 over this year. Chairman Ken DePatto called the April 29 session "informational only." School Committee member Dennis Gould said Belmonte STEAM Academy dropped to eight classrooms per grade after last year's cuts, pushing class sizes into the "high 20s." Member Shannon McCarthy said 68 percent of students are classified high-needs.

Resident Sara Petruzzelli noted the town holds roughly $20 million in free cash. The meeting ended on a unanimous voice vote to adjourn.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• [00:04:06] — Superintendent of Schools Michael Hashem
• [00:12:05] — Chairman Ken DePatto
• [00:28:46] — School Committee member Shannon McCarthy
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Saugus's community access TV: Finance Committee meeting, April 29, 2026
• The complete report: 734 words

Source: the Finance Committee meeting of April 29, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.